Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 December 1908 — Presented Flag to Militia. [ARTICLE]

Presented Flag to Militia.

Mrs. Arthur H. Hopkins presented a fine flag to Company M Wednesday evening. It is a very handsome bunting flag fringed with gold and having a gold cord and tassels attached. The spear tip and lower part of the staff are detachable and the flag when not in use is encased in an oil cloth covering. The flag is the regulation company size and was selected by Mrs. Hopkins’ brother-in-law, Col. Alfred W. Hopkins, of the Illinois National Guard. The members of the company stood with their hats on the left breast as Mrs. Hopkins made a neat speech of presentation, in which she reviewed the history of the stars and stripes from the first flag made by Betsy Ross, which contained but 13 stars, representing as many states, to the flag which was presented to Company M which contans 46 stars. On behalf of the company First Sergeant Arthur Tuteur responded to the presentation, and after thanking the donor pledged that the company would ever hold the banner of freedom well aloft. The company and its guests which included Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. George H. Healey and Mrs. Isaac Wiltshire then went to the dining room of the Rosey Hotel, where a fine turkey banquet was spread.'This was followed by some speech making and concluded with three rousing cheers for the new flag. The company is very much elated at the receipt of the flag and feel very grateful to Mrs. Hopkins for her combined patriotism and generosity.